Evening Star Newspaper, April 20, 1898, Page 5

THE EVENING STAR. PUBLISHED DAILY EXCEPT SUNDAY. AT THE STAR BUILDINGS, 3101 Ferrsylvaia Avenue, Cor. 11th St., bv The Evening Star Newspaper Company SH. EAUPFMANN, Pres't. = a New York Ofice, 49 Potter Buildiny, The Evening Star {s scrved to subscribers tn the erty by cirriers, on thete own account, at 10 cents per week cr 44 cents per month. Coples at the counter 2 rerts each. By mail—anywhere in the United States +r Canada— postage prepaid—60 cents per month. tuple Sheet Star, $1 per year, with added, $3.08. (Entered at the Po t Office at Washington, D. C., #4 second-class ma’l matter.) TF Ail mail subscriptions must be pald in advance. Rates cf advertising made known on appifcatior. WAR NOW ON e Ultimatum Sent lo Spain Today. POLO RECEIVES HIS PASSPORTS Senor Sagasta Must Send His Reply by Saturday. CUBAN RESOLUTION SIGNED Both Houses of Congress Notified of That Fact. Sa A SPANISH TRICK FOILED The President has signed the Cu- ban resolution adopted by Congress and has sent an ultimatum to Spain requiring a reply “by Saturday.” He also inclosed a copy of the resolu- tion. li Spain di army and navy from Cuba, or if no reply is received, the President will execute the requirements of the res- olution and employ the military and naval forces of the United States to expel the Spaniards from the island. The Spanish minister applied for his passports as soon as informed that the President had ned the congressional joint resolution re- quiring Spain to evacuate Cuba. Minister Polo’s withdrawal does not mean the immediate withdrawal of Minister Woodford from Spain. Minister Polo leaves tonight. In the Senate during the consider- ation of the sundry civil bill Mr. Cockrell continued his speech on Cuba, which was followed by other remarl It is believed that if Mr. Roose- velt, assistant secretary of the navy, enters the military service Rear Ad- miral Walker will succeed him as assistant secretary. Arrangements are being made by the War Department to transport troops from southern posts to Cuba. It is deemed advisable to charter rather than to buy vessels. Many ship owners are trying to sell their vessels to the government. Commander Horace Elmer has been placed in charge of the mos- quito fleet. The War Department has found the matter of calling out the volun- teers a complicated question, and has urged prompt action by Con- gress on the bill providing for a temporary increase in the military es- tablishment of the country. It is said that a shrewd trick plan- ned by Senor Polo, which would have placed this government in an embarrassing position, was frustrated by President McKinley sending his ultimatum to Spain before signing the Cuban resolution. Senator Proctor today introduced a bill creating a board of national de- fense, to be composed of the Secre- taries of War and Navy. The President, Secretary Alger and Gen. Miles today discussed plans for calling for volunteers. It i thought the District Guard. will be called out at once. at clines to remove her President McKinley signed the ultimatum to Spain shortly before 10:30 o'clock this morning. A copy of it was immediately put in cipher and sent to Minister Wood- ford at Madrid to be laid before the Span- ish cabinet. It has reached Madrid. Immediately upon sending the dispatch to Madrid, President McKinley ordered that a copy of the ultimatum be sent to Minister Polo. Senor Polo received the copy before 1 o'clock, and in ten minutes had sent a request to the State Department fer his passports. Before 11:30 o'clock President McKinley knew of the action of Minister 4Polo. Then he realized that there was no longer even “a possibility that there would be peace. War stood grimly before him. Leaving the presence of the President at I o'clock, Senator Elkins briefly said: “War is upon us.” The President signed the regolution of Congress at 11:22 o'clock, nearly an hour after he had put his pen to the ultimatum. The Ultimatam Brief. The ultimatum which Sagasta has read Che Evening Star. WASHINGTON, D. C., WEDNE SDAY, APRIL 20, 1898-TWELVE PAGES. "TWO by this time is brief and concise. It simply demands that Spain withdraw from Cuba her naval and military forces. The Presi- dent, in a firm, but polite way, requests that a reply to this demand be made “by Saturday.” These two words are used in the ultimatum. President McKiniey thought it weuld be splitting hairs and holding a time wai to set any hour for an answer from Spain. That is why he decided on the phrase “by Saturda. Even if there is no answer by Saturday at ncon the President may not at once carry into effect the ultimatum. But if there is no answer by Saturday afternoon the resolution will be put into effect. The President distinctly states in the ul- timatum that unless Spain gives notice that she will evacuate the island he will proc2ed to put into effect the instructions of Con- gress. ‘abinet officials think that Gen. Wood- ford will remain on duty in Madrid until an answer is received from Sagasta. If the answer refuses to comply wit ih> demands of the United States Gen. Woodford wil once ask for his passports. Should his posi- tion become enable between now and Saturday he may leave his post. There Is a pessibility that Gen. Woodford wili leave Madrid tonight after he delivers the ult matum to Sag: He may have his pas: ports handed him. The answer of Spain, under these circumstances, could be sent direet to this country or through the rep- res=ntative of any European power selected by Spain. The President's Program. The program of the President is now definitely known. He will patiently await swer of Spain before making a move ort. If akes no answer by ade the course, ports of Cuba. Havana sading port, to be ded. It ively stated that present plans do not contemplate a bombardment of Havana and other Cuban ports, as the first step. The blockade will be first put into eff If the naval and military forces of Spain attack the block- ading squadron, of course the attack will be repelled and a bémbardment of Havana and other cities will follow. The intention at present, however, is that the blockading force shall not fire a shot for some time. Wh » blockade is in force the army of the United States will be hurried forward to Key West, ready to land in Cu So soon y is ready for work and en provided, bombard- ment and capture will follow un hting has been forced by that time the nav of transport upon Several Ports to Be Invest It is known that more than one port of Cuba will be inve d by the nav People of Havana and probably Matanzas will wake up Sunday morning to look far out to sea and find the fighting ships of the Unii- ed States on gu: Not a commercial or other vessel will be allowed to leave or en- ter these ports, and unless the Spaniards fight they must starve. No help can reach them except from Spain's warships, which will be and fought. If these warships can defeat those of this coun then relief can be given the beleaguered cities. Spain’s Expected Reply. It Ss calculated at the White House that Sagasta was handed the ultimatum of President McKinley about 7:30 p.m., Span- isk time. That would have been 1:30 o'clock Washington time. The Spanish ministry will have tomorrow and Friday to consider their course. When it is 6 o'clock Satur- day morning here it will be noon Saturday in Madrid. President McKinley ought to know the answer of Spain by the time he arises Saturday morning. Hither an insult- ing and defiant answer or silence is ex- pected. The President decided that he would not make the text of the ultimatum public un- til tomorrow, by which time it will be fully known in Madrid. ‘The exact wording of the ultim: atum was fully agreed upon by the President and Judge Day last night. The President in- structed Judge Day to bring the revised cepy of the order to the White House this morning. This was done shortly after 10 o'ciock. The only persons then with the President were Secretaries Bliss and Wil- son, Attorney General Griggs and Judge Day Signing of the Ultimatum. Later Secretary Alger made his appear- ance, and when the resolution of Congress was signed at 11:22 those present were the officials mentioned, Senator Elkins, Rep- resentative Cannon and Charles Emory Smith, cditor of the Philadelphia Press. ‘The pen used in signing the resolution was handed at once to Secretary Alger, who had asked for it. There had been fifty other requests for this pen, but Gen. Alger had made the first application. Senator Elkins and Representative Can- non were accidental witnesses to the Pres- ident’s act of signing the resolution. All morning senators and representatives had been calling and departing. Messrs. Elkins and Cannon got in a few minutes before the President attached his signature. The congressmen who called during the morning were Messrs. Gear, Lodge, Gray, Kyle, Frye, Platt of Connecticut, Grosve- nor, Adams and Canron. Cuban Republic and Recognition. It was learned this morning from an ad- ministration source just why the President was desirous of avoiding express recogni- tion of the Cuban republic. Aside from the reasons that have been set forth in the de- bates in Congress, mostly based on consti- tutional questions, there were two very im- portant practical considerations that affect- ed the President's mind. The first was a purely military consideration. He was atisfied that the United States army and naval forces would operate, in the event of the recognition of the Cuban republic, at a great disadvantage. Instead of moving un- der a free rein, the military forces would be obliged to treat with the officials of the Cuban republic at every step, as equals and allies, and they would be very much ham- pered thereby in their operations. As it is, in the event of war, the army of the United States will move under the orders of the President and commanding generals with- out regard to the wishes of insignificant and unexperienced allied officers. Another consideration that affected him was the statement, based on precedence, that the conclusion of peace at the terml- nation of hostilities would be very much complicated by the previous recognition on the part of the United States of the Cubaa republic, and a treaty of peace would, it is raid, necessarily be drawn between Spain on the one hand and Cuba on the other, leaving the United States, which had borne the brunt of the fight, without voice. A Spanish Trick That Failed. A deeply interesting story of the day has not yet been made public. It shows that President McKinley was too shrewd for the (Continued on Second Page.) WILL LEAVE TONIGHT The Spanish Minister Given His Passports, MINISTER WOODFORD NOT WITHDRAWN Work of Preparing the Ultimatum to Spain. CONSULS TO LEAVE OUR The application of the Spanish minister, Senor Polo, for his passports reached the State Department about noon, and it was at once honored, Assistani Secretary Day givins orders that they be forwarded to the minister at once. So far no_ instructions have been sent to Minister Woodford at Madrid to withdraw from Spain said at the department that the wal of the Spanish minister here does not mcan the immediate withdrawal of Mr. Woodford from Madrid. In the view of the depart- ment the action taken by Senor Polo is not regarded as an answer to the ultima- tum. Accordingly Mr. Woodford will ecntinued at Madrid until the Spanish gov- ernment has had an opportunity to return such answer as may be called for, or, fail- ing that, until Saturday, when he will with- . Polo y Bernabe. jon here is that the ac- brought s of the draw. The impre: tion of the Spanish minister v about by the action by Conere preamble to the joint resolution. In view of what Senor Sagasta, the Spanish pre- mier, is reported to have said yesterday, it is believed that the Spanish government regards this preamble as an insult to the nation, of which it is obliged to take no- tice formally when the resolution is known to have been enacted. Passports for Polo. The Spanish minister's request for his passports, sent immediately on the receipt of the ultimatum, -was WASHINGTON, April 20, 1898. Mr. Secretary : The resolution adopted by the Congress of the United States of America and ap- proved by the President is of such a char- acter that my permanence in Washington becomes impossible, and obliges me to re- quest you the delivery of my passports. The protection of the Spanish interests will be intrusted to the French ambi jor and to the Austrian-Hungarian minister. On this occasion, very painful to me, I have the honor to renew to you the assurances of my highest consideration. (Signed) LUIS POLO DE BERNABE. Hon. John Sherman, Secretary of State of the United States of America, ete. Will Omit Farewell Calls. ides the note asking for his passports, the Spanish minister will acknowledge the receipt of the ultimatum, but it is not known whether this will be a mere formal acknowledgment or an answer in detail. In view of his departure tonight Senor Polo desires his friends to know that it will be impossible to make farewell calls even on his intimates of the diplomatic corps. Senor Du Bose and other officials of the legation wish to make the same statement to their friends. It was decided late in the day that Mr. Du Bose and Mr. Galarza would not ac- company the party leaving tonight, but would remain here until tomorrow. Mr. Du Bose will go to New York for a day and later will join the minister and the rest of the party, all of them sailing together for Spain. : The Spanish legation will be closed with today, the premises belng turned over to the owners. Delivering the Ultimatum. The ultimatum of the United States to Spain was deliv2red to the Spanish minister shortly after 11 o'clock today. The min- ister was prepared for this action, and to the same State Department messenger who brought the ultimatum Senor Polo delivered a note to th: Secretary of State saying that his position here had become unten- able and asking for his passports. The minister and his entire staff, nine in all, will leave Washington at 7 o'clock this evening. The French ambassador, M. Cambon, and the Austrian minister, Mr. Hengelmuller, Were with Senor Polo when the ultimatum was received. Arrangements were mad2 at once for the transfer of the legation prop- erty to the Austrian legation. This in- cludes the archives, seal and the Spanish flag. Both tha French ambassador and the Austrian minister will act jointly in attend- ing to Spain’s interests here, the effects be- ing sent to the Austrian legation because Austria owns the property of the legation, wher2as the French establishment is tem- porarily leased. = The Spanish legation had been in com- parative calm throughout the early hours of the day, and it began to be apprehended that another day might pass without the signing of the resoluiions. Senor Polo maintsined his imperturbable exterior, al- though he had abandoned all hope of an outcome other than war. Outside the le- gation a lieutenant of police and an officer were on duty, as a result of the vandalism yesterday in the destruction of the legation sign. . At 10:30 a.m. the Belgian minister called, followed soon afterward by M. Cambon, the French ambassador, and Mr. Hengel- muller, the Austro-Hungarian minister. At Be! that time no word had been received of action on the resolutions or the ultimatum. About 11:20 a colored messenger from the State Department appeared at the front door of the mir ister’s residence, and in an unccnventional way stated that he bad a message from the State Departmen: for the Spanish min‘ster. Senor Poio ex- cused himself from the French ambassa- dor, with whom he was then enraged, an? met the messenger in the lefation corridor. He glanced at the irclosure, noting that it was the ullimatum, and bade the mes- senger await for a reply. This was ai- ready prepared, and had beer ready since yesterday. it was not a rejcinder to the ultimatum, but a terse request for his passports. Preparing for Departure. This letter was sent to the State Do- partmeni by the me nger, a the min- ister rejoned nis friends and awaited + arrival of his passports. lmmedia however, the calm pf the legation gave way to Iervent activity, to hurried p rations for dp r.ury a d@ the disya of long cab! Madrid. cal and pi were final arrangeme and his entire Kernabe, mini: first see caiag All of the R: » for the mii's-er aff, ram Senor Folo de er; Senor Juan Dube: Senor Pablo Soler, nor Den Acquarent, secretary; Senor Gilarza, third sec Senor Pla, attache: Senor Almeic he; Capt. Ge la Casa, military att. etar enor S not make public the direction of journey after leaving Washington, as he wishes to avoid unnecessary attention. The party will be soon on the way to Spain. Early yesterday morning the large metal sign bearing the words. “Office of the ish Legation,” was wrenched from its pla ate leading to the l+gation and car- ried off by vandals. The minister made no oymplaint to the State Department or to the pol he has sought to minimize the petty de dations against the legation, alihough this was the most flagrant one committed. Relief at the There te Departmen s a look of relief on the of Assistant Secretary Day when he ly announced upon his return to the Department from the White Hous ; forenoon that the joint Cuban resolution had been signed and that the ultimatum had gone forward to Mr. Woodford at once. Although ccurtesy forbade ihe pub- lication of this important state paper be- fore the Spanish government bad had an opportunity to re ive and est it, it to be, in general terms, a re- quest upon the Spanish government to withdraw its forces, land and naval, from Cuba and Cuban waters at once. it is also said that the remainder of the weeh will be allowed for a decision and a re- sponse on the part of nish govern- ment. The document itself was reported to be v y short, in fact, not more than a third of a column of an ay Judge Day had been Secretary John W. Foster and Second sistant Secretary Adee fur about an hour early in the morning’ engaged, it is under- stood, In the preparation of this uitimatum. Of course, the gencral terms of the paper had been agreed upon at the two cabinet closeted with meetings yesterday, and the purpose of the consultation this morning was to re- duce the President's views to the accepted diplomatic forms, a kind of work in which Mr. Adce and Mr. Foster are especially adept. To Withdraw Our Consuls. The department has made all arrange- ments for the immediate withdrawal of {ts consular offices from Spain. It will, how- ever, be left to Gen. Woodtord, our minis- ter at Madrid, to give the word for their withdrawal, and he will undoubtedly do this before asking for his own passports. Senator Davis, chairman of the Senate committee on foreign relations, had an interview with Judge Day early in the merning and probably acquainted himself with the administration’s program as to Col. Cuba. McCook was another retar No Likelihood of Europern Cuatition. of the The various foreign embassies and lega- tions were y active today in the expectation that hostilities were near at intens hend. he several foreign offices were fully advised of the signing of the resolu- tions. Those who have been most hopetui ot bringing about European coalition now con- cede that such a move is impossible. One of the best posted members of the diplo- matic corps stated that it was now too late for mediation or intervention, even it the powers could be brought together. It was recognized on all hands, he said, that the United States and Spain had chosen a recourse to war. It was a decision which sovereign nations had a right to make, lamentable as it might be, and the only course now open for other nations was to determine their attitude of neutrality between the two belligerents. Already, it is said, Great Britain has taken steps, not only to. maintain a pas- sive neutrality, but to enforce it with arms if necessary. Two regiments of British sol- diers are now in the British West Indies, and these are about to be augmented by arother regiment en route from Halifax They are concentrated in the belief that the West Indies will be a center of con- flict, and that the stress of war may lead one or the other belligerent to oceupy neu- tral British territory. If that occurs, a British force will see that the territory is vacated, gnd that Brifish sofl is not used ax a base of operations for’ hostilities by either party to the conflict. So far krown, the French government will serve the same neutrality. Its West In- dian possessions are congiderable, and it has several ships in those waters. Ger- many and the other powers are expected to take the same‘neutral attitude. Secretary Sherman's. Reeret. The following statement was made to the press at the State Department, this after- noon: = “Secretary Sherman ex; his regret that any act of petty vandalism should have been committed upon the office df the Spanish legation in this city last evening. When somewhat similar indignities were offered by lawless persons a few days ago he wrote to the Commissioners of the Dis- trict asking that prompt means be taken to prevent any further outrag3.” “They assured him that they would pre- vent any cuch acts,’ but he regr2ts their failure or inability to do‘: ‘The Depart- ment of State has properly denounced the attacks upon American consulates in Spain and Cuba, and he expressed the sincare hope that all our citizens engaged in such legal assaults be severely punished.” oo te a has been ordered to Washington for duty @& the staff of Major General Miles, HURRY TO THE FRONT Regular Troops Are Speeding to the South by Rail. GREETED WITH CHEERS EN ROUTE Great Enthusiasm Manifested by National Guard at All Points. ACTIVITY IN THE NAVY NEW YORK, April 20.—At the Marine barracks, Brooklyn, today everything was in readiness for the battalion of invasion to proceed south. The steamer Panther, which is to convey the battalion to Key West, and probably to Cuba, is not quite ready, being still at the Morgan iron works, where a gang of mechanics is busily en- gaged making necessary alterations. The Panther, which was formerly the Venezue- la of the Red D Line, will go into commis- ion about noon today, under command of Captain Reiter, who reported to Admiral Bunce this morning. The Scorpion will be ready to Friday and the Sterling by Mon San Francisco will be docked py sail the end of this weck, and it is expec! te that the vessel will be ready in less than ten day he monitor Nahant will leave her > off Tompkin: . SL, this ferenooa for the yard. The New Orleans is now lying alongside the coal dock dire forward of the San Francisco. Several nics are at work on her, but just what alterations ing made could not be commandant’s offics. . At the commandant’s office this morning it was said that no vessels would leave the navy yard today. Sigual Staiion at Quogue, L. 1 accordance with hurried o irom Washington, a iarge for put work to erecting a al siation at Quogue, L. L, of the ps of the the carpe tiled are be- 4 at thy taine In ceived men were highs! the York Naval Keserve. near Quogue have been © requis tion, und the frame tower, it is ex) will be re within twenty-four he men will work all nig! The who to re- 2 of to for New rters use ected, hours. mem- flash dy are Island coast will een the Lou cable buliding in New York be at their posts tomorrow Superintendent simball of the life service has been authorized by tne ment to the life-saving crews in co- operation with the signal corps in watch- ing for hostile Is Vhe Office of the 5; was cene of grea! enure corps of ofticia ali of them were preparis; afiairs of the off There were about fifty impecunious Span- iards in the office, all of whom received pagsports and passage on the Spanish suwamer Panama te Havana. Consul Baldansa:a refused to be inter- viewed. Naval Auailiary Board, It is probable that the remaining werk of the naval auxiliary board may be rushed to a tinish, or that the present board will govern- consul general ty tod. The on hand, and to close up the wa: be dissolved and the government make other arrangements for the purchase oi 4 vicinity. Yesterday Nava! Constructor Tawresey, while in Brookiyn, where he and other members of the board had gone to inspect a number of sea-going tugs, ived a telegram ordering his im- mediate detachment trom the board. He has been appointed to personally su- the changes to be made American Line in the Cramps’ “shipyards in Phil- He returned at once to this city on adelphia. and left early this morning for his appoint- ment. A member of the urd said tod: in his opinion the board officers were want- ed by the government for other and more important duties in the line of active serv- ice. Lieut. Com. Kelley, who is cenfined to his home in this city suffering from pneu- monia, is reported to be much better. Licut. Com. Reeder and Chief Engineer Dixon inspected the yachts Verguna, Anita and Aileen today. The yachts, which are all owned by New Yorkers, are of light draft and over 100 feet in length. Regulars Reach New Orleans. NEW ORLEANS, April 20.—Six compa- nies of the 18th Infantry, Major Kelly com- manding, and four companies of the 23d Infantry, Col. Overshine, arrived !ast even- ing. Col. Overshine will be in command of the camp at the race track until the arrival of General Shafter and the main body of troops. Calls for Volunteers. LINCOLN, Neb., April 20.—Governor Hol- comb, through Adjutant General Barry, has issued an order permitting several com- panies of the Nebraska National Guard to recruit up to the limit of sixty-five men. BUTTE, Mont., April 20.—On account of the question raised as to the status of the militia in case of war and the prospects that they will be held at-home to repal invasion, the services of the Montana Na- tional Guard have been tendered the goy- ernment in the capacity of volunteers. SPRINGFIELD, Ill, April 20.—General Joseph W. Vance of this city has issued a call for a regiment of volunteers in case of war with Spain to.be placed at the dis- posal of the state authorities. General Vance attended West Point, was an officer in the Union army, and was adjutant gen- eral Of Hlinois from 1884 to 1891. Negotiating for Lnke Stenmers. ST. PAUL, Minn., April 20.—It is report- ed that the government is after the steam- ers Northwest and Northland of the North- ern Steamship Company, which operates between Duluth and Buffalo. These two steamers are capable of making 27 miles an hour, are steel built and have been used exclusively for passenger service, so that if secured by the government it is thought they will probably be used as troqp ships. President J. J. Hill of the Great Northern railway. who is also at the head of the steamship company, is in Europe, having reached Bremen yesterday, and cannot be seen to deny or affirm the truth of this statement. SAN FRANCISCO, April 20.—The tug Vigilant has been added to the fleet of America’s naval vessels. The purchase Price is $60,000. The vessel was immediate- ly taken by the naval representatives to the Union fron works, where she will form- ally be put in the United States service. _ The Knights of the Red Granch Rifles have volunteered their s of a war with Spain. When War is Declared. DULUTH, Minn., Apri held at the council chamber last nig presided over by Mayor Trueison, it decided that the declaration of war against Spain should be annourced by the blowing of whistles. The boats in the harbor will take up the signal, and all the industries employing sicam will jein. That evening a patriotic meeting in ratification of thi will be held at the third regiment arme which will be addressed by Duluth's best orators. Troops Go CHICAGO, April 20.—The U. S. A., 650 strong, en route from Fort Snelling, Minn., to Mobile, Ala., arrived in this city at 4 a. m. and resumed the jour- ney south at 5 o'clock. A stop for break- fast was made at Kankakee, 11. Thousands of people greeted the soldiers at every station through Minnesota and Wisconsin. At Lake City, Minn., the sol- diers were loaded down with fiowers. The union station at Milwaukee was jammed with enthusiastic people, who waited until 1:30 a. m., being entertained meanwhile by evolutions of the first: and second battai- 0.—At a meeting Through Chi fons, Wisconsin Natiotial Guard. Most of the regulars were asleep when their trai Teached Milwaukee, but the cheering and music brought them out and they remained up until the trains reached Chicago. Three special trains, in charge of Maj. Hathaway, from Fort Niobrara, Neb., wiil reach her2 this evening. The troops con- sist of thirty officers, 520 men and eight six he They will leave immediately for New Orleans via the Chicago and East- ern Ilinois and the Louisville and Nash- ville railroads. Coming From the North, NEW YORK, April 20.—The 9th and 2tst Infantry Regiments went through Jerse: City early teday on their way to the south. The 9th, which was stationed at Sackett’s Harbor, N. Y., consisted of out 30) men, and the 2Ist from Plattsburg, had nearly the same number. Each regiment had two > Fall River Lin ted for Caickan 2 brought achment lnzrines from Boston. Brooklyn navy yard. IN, Nev., April 20.—A troop of cav- for the use of the government is being lized in this state. It will be com- d of cewboys from the Mason and Car- ed and armed. of and ‘They went to the ».. April 20.—Two companies ia have been organized here. Troops Pass Throug' Special Dispa Hagerstown, ch to The Evening Si HAGERSTOWN, Md., April 2 ilroads centering here are ben: evergy for the prompt and quick of troops and war material, the movement of which has already begun. Fourteen car- Icads of New York troops passed Shenan- doah Junction last night going south, and feliowed today by a detachment of cavalry from Fort Ethan Allen, composed of 245 of- ficers and men Within the past twenty- four nours several solid trainloads of am- muni avy ordnance have passed throu own. The Pennsylvania troops now centering at Mount Gretna are mementarily expecting orders to move seth. Cars and trainmen are being con- centiated here to transport them. The five every ndling Fort sheridan Deserted. CHICAGO, Apri! 20.—Battery A of the 2d Artillery and Troops C and G of the Ist Cavalry, U.S. A., 300 men, left Fort Sheri- dan this afternoon for Chickamauga. The train was divided into three sections, the frst composed of seven Pullman and tour- ist slceping cars, ihe second and third car- rying cavalry horses and the artillery. The cavairy in command of Lieut. Col. Chas. B. Vieie. Capt. Geo. S. Grimes com- mands the artillery, ‘The departur: of the cavalry and artillery es oniy thirty men at Fort Sheridan, although on the sick list, were much disappointed on being left behind, and fired a farewell salute as their comrad2s boarded the cars. Nineteenth Infantry En Route. MILWAUKE April 20.—The 19th Injantry of United States reg bering 250, from Fort Barry, ceuunee, Mich., today, and left Gately on a special train for the south. ‘The train is expected to reach Milwaukee abcut 9 o’ciock tnight, and will probably run through without making a stop. — A BOARD OF DEFENSE. Proposed Association of the Secreta- rics of War and the Na Senator Procior today introduced a bill creating a board of national defense, to be composed of the Secretary of War and the Secretary of the Naty. The bill requires that as such board they shall formulat: plans of coast and harbor defense and then determine what shall be land and what floating defense. Acting in this capacity they are also to determine upon a uniform pattern and caliber of small arms for the us? of the army and marine corps; to fix upon a uniform projectile and grooving for heavy guns of the same caliber, “and in general to take such joint action as shall secure the greatest uniformity, efficiency and economy practicable in their resp2ctive departments.” In case of differences the President is to decide between the Sceretarizs. a DISTRICT BILLS REPORTED. Pavorable Consideration to the Senate. Bills were favorably reported to the Sen- ate today from the committee on the Dis- trict of Columbia as follows: By Mr. Pritichard—Senate bill 3696, for the preservation of the public peace and the protection of property within the Dis- trict of Columbia. By Mr. Stewart—Senate bill 4191, to re-- adjust the boundary of the Naticnal Zoo- logical Park and preserve its seclusion be- tween Park road on the east and Cincinnati street and Connecticut avenue on the west. By Mr. Proctor—House bill 5883, to au- thorize the reassessment of water main taxes in the District of Columbia. By Mr. Proctor, with amendments— House bill 6161, for the protection of fish in the District of Columbia, etc. The bil is amended to except rock fish from those that are not to be caught in the Potomac river within the District of Colu Announced EE CENTS. | or ,exchange anything, lease property or rent rooms, want a situation or want help, it will pay you to announce the fact in the advertising columns of The Star. They are closely studied by more than three times as many people as read any other paper. rors meno ons | WHO WILL FIRE FIRST? - - Naval Officers Speculate on the Block- ade of Havana. ——- If DEPENDS ON GENERAL BLANCO Captain General Has Received Defi- nite Orders From Spain. ee FLEET ANXIOUS FOR ACTION ee Kc eee Special From a Staff Corrcepondent. KEY WEST, Fia., April 20.—The officers of the squadron are hoping that when the ultimatum to Spain expires not an hour will be lost in getting their warships under way for Cuban waters. Intimations re- celved from Washington have been to the effect that that is what is expected from them, and the fleet is in readiness. This morning the talk has been mainly of what constitutes a peaceful blockade and of how long such a condition might last. Said one office I only know of one peace- ful blockade in the history of naval war- fare during this century, that was when the English fleet blockaded Greece. It was peaceful enough until Turkish ships ap- peared in those waters and gave the Eng- lish vessels a lively engagement.” omething like this may hap n off Ha- The shore batteries at Havana are extensive and they have plenty of ammuni- tion. vana. For weeks the men who man these guns have beea receiving instructions how to handie them and have been engaged in practice. Orders to Gen. Bianco. A month ago, when the Sagasta ministry sent worl to Blanco to prepare for war, it was officially intin d in Havana that this instruction carried with {t discretion as to defending the city by aggressive tac- tics in the use of the means under his con- uol. At that time the Spanish naval authori- tes had probably decided on the policy of withdrawing all ships from the vicinity of Havana instead of risking them against the superior force of the North Atlantic squadron. Blanco, it is stated, had the to open fire on the first American If Spain rejects the ultimatum and accepts war he may think this is the best way of defend- It will be entirely a question power warship which appeared in sight. ing Havana. of expediency. If anything 1s to be gained by more time, then the shore batteries will remain quiet, While the first stages of a peaceful block- ade are entered upon by the American fleet. That may open a way for the surrender of the city without bombardment and with- out even firing a shell. But it would be unsafe for Captain Sampson to proceed un- der this assumption and to expose the ships of his command to the danger of such a mistake. Batteries May Open Fire. It least an probability that the fleet appears in waters the shore batteries will be by Blanco to open fire with a view of kee ing them from creeping in too close shore. A bombardment of the city proper by the fleet would not necessarily follow, because is at even when Cuban cted te the silencing of the two largest batterie without a single might be accomplished shell being dropped into the main portion of the town. When the two great ter- ies are silenced Havana is taken in a naval sense, though it may not be yielded by Blanco until smaller batteries are re- duced The populaticn is not likely to suf- fer much .f the bombardment mere sists In reducing the batteries. The hills offer a refuge and they lie close to Havana. ‘The people have been expecting to flee. They know the range of danger and can be depended on to get out of it. Quick ac- ticn will be mcre merciful to them than a long drawn out peaceful blockade with the suffering that must come from shut- ting off food supplies. PEPPER. aes SENATOR FORAKER’S DENIAL. von- Not Interested Aay Bonds Affected by the Cuban Question. Senator Foraker has written a letter to a constituent, W. D. Bissman cf Toledo, Ohio, in regard to charges that he is in- terested i the Cuban bonds, The letter is in reply to the following letter, which Mr. Bissmay had previously written aim: “A great deal of talk is making the rounds that you are heavily involved with the junta bonds and are taiking for par value more than the sentiments of your best Judgment.” Replying to this Senator Foraker says: “If any such story is being circulated it is a falschood pure and simple, without the siightest shadow of truth for its foun- dation. I have no interest in any junta or Cuban bonds or any other kind of bonds affegted by the Cubaa question, or any other interest of any kind whatsoever, di- rectly or indirectly, and never did have, and never expect to have. I did not even know that the republic of Cuba had issued ary bonds until Gen. Grosvenor stated in the House of Representatives that there had been bonds of this character issued to the amount cf $40,000,000. “The Senate committee on foreign rela- ticns at once called before them Mr. Geuer- ra, who is the subtreasurer of the republic of Cuba at New York, and examined him